Spiritual Maturity

Paul frankly told the Corinthians that when he came to them the first time, he made a determination to stick to the basics. "I determined not to know anything among you but JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED." But Paul went on to make it clear that he DID speak "wisdom among those who are mature." Far from being "anti-knowledge" or "anti-wisdom," Paul spoke the deeper wisdom of God among the mature. In other words, he expected Christians to grow. Paul seemed surprised and disconcerted that even though he was with the Corinthians for at least a year and a half, according to Acts 18, they were not mature enough, when he left, to be fed with anything stronger than milk. And even as he wrote this letter, perhaps 3 years later, he believed they were still too carnal and immature to receive strong meat, as evidenced by the dissension in the church.

One of the problems with the American Christian Church is that many believers are babies---immature. Many believers do not study the Scriptures and utilize the other means God has given us to help us to mature. Furthermore, many Christians are fed a diet of milk in their churches. This message emphasizes: 1) God inspired, not just the general themes of Scripture, but the VERY WORDS OF SCRIPTURE. 2) It is the SPIRIT of GOD who reveals God's truth to us. 3) Christians are expected to grow. 4) YOU are primarily responsible for your spiritual growth.